Over to you, race fans. Should electronic over-rides be banned? Can they be eliminated in a simple, cheat-proof way? Do they rob spectators of the spectacle? Let us know...


Sunday pm - Chaz Davies Among Five in Chase for Final d'Antin Ducati

Now that Luis d'Antin has confirmed Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli for his Pramac Ducati satellite team, the 20-year-old Briton Chaz Davies joins a shortlist of five riders who are in line for the last place.

He is competing against Toni Elias, the fiery 24-year-old Spaniard who is currently with the Gresini Honda team, the 250cc rider Hiroshi Aoyama, and d'Antin's existing pairing of Alex Barros and Alex Hofmann. Elias or Barros would probably be d'Antin's first choice when considerations such as sponsorship are taken into consideration.

A decision will probably be made at the Japanese MotoGP round next weekend.


Sunday pm - Would-be Valentinos, Sign on for the Next Red Bull MotoGP Challenge

Following our story here on Matthew Hoyle, the 16-year-old Yorkshireman who holds third place in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, rider selector Peter Clifford reminds other young Brits to apply before the October 5 deadline for the 2008 series.

Hoyle, who will seek his first win of the year at the final round at Valencia on November 3, is one of five British teenagers competing in the series. It is open to riders aged 14 to 16, and you can apply at www.redbullrookiescup.com.

Unsuccessful applicants from this year are eligible for the championship, for which everything is provided, including the 125cc KTM bikes, except for travel and accommodation costs. Success in the series could open the door to a place in the MotoGP Academy, and the kind of reputation that 16-year-old Bradley Smith has carved in the Repsol Honda 125cc GP team.


Sunday am - Puig Could Switch to KTM, and Maybe Take Bradley

Five pre-breakfast minutes in the Repsol Honda truck to catch up on developments and rumours with Alberto Puig, mentor of Dani Pedrosa and Bradley Smith, and one of the most influential figures in the MotoGP paddock.

Is it true that he is trying to switch his 125 and 250cc operations from Honda to KTM? "There is an approach and a possibility with KTM," he confirms. "But we also have to talk to Repsol to see if they are going to continue with their junior programme."

Part of his problem is a lack of the development in Honda's smaller bikes, particularly the 125. It's meant that Smith has been unable to repeat the podium position he recorded at the French GP seven races ago, and remains in ninth position in the championship.

So if Puig moves to KTM, will he take the 16-year-old Smith with him? "The guy is a talent and is making good progress," Puig responds. "But this year it's not been so easy. There is other competition out there. We need to improve our machines."

He continues: "We will try to help Bradley. He has proved that he can do it."